Aromatic Cedar Heirloom Chest

Project #201 | Master Series | Lumber & Boards

I. Master Cut List (3/4" Cedar Stock)

Qty	Part	Dimensions	Detail
2	Front/Back	34-1/2" x 18"	Solid Glue-up
2	Side Panels	16-1/2" x 18"	Solid Glue-up
4	Corner Trim/Legs	3" x 19"	Vertical Trim
1	Top (Lid)	37" x 19"	1/2" overhang sides/front
1	Bottom Panel	33" x 15"	1/4" Plywood or Cedar

Lumberjack Tip: Cedar is a soft wood. When clamping your panels, use scrap wood "cauls" between the clamp and the project to avoid leaving permanent dents in your heirloom.

Step 1: Panel Preparation

Mill your cedar to a consistent 3/4" thickness. Glue up the front, back, and side panels. Sand the interior faces to 220 grit before assembly, as it is much harder to sand corners once the box is built.

Step 2: The Floating Bottom

On the inside of all four wall panels, route a 1/4" groove, 3/8" deep, exactly 1" up from the bottom edge. Cut your bottom panel to fit. Do not glue this panel; letting it "float" prevents the chest from cracking during seasonal humidity changes.

Step 3: Box Assembly & Corner Trim

Assemble the four walls using a simple butt-joint with glue and finish nails. Once dry, glue and screw your 3" Corner Trim pieces over each corner. This adds massive structural integrity and hides the raw end-grain of the panels.

Step 4: The Lid & Torsion Hinges

Attach the lid using high-quality torsion hinges. These are essential for safety, as they prevent the heavy cedar lid from slamming shut on small hands.

Need the Hardware?

We recommend Lid Support Torsion Hinges (60 inch-pound rating) for this specific build size.

View Hardware Kit